Hamilton✱ missed out on a record-breaking eighth world title in hugely controversial circumstances after FIA race director Michael Masi did not apply the rules correctly in a late Safety Car period. 

The timing oไf the restart left Hamilton exposed to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who pitted under the Safety Car for fresh tyres and went on to pass his rival on the last lap to clinch both the race victory and his maiden world championship. 

F1’s governing body the FIA has subsequently launched an investigation into the events of the Abu Dhabi season finale and will announce its final decisions on 𝔉the eve of the 2022 season. Reports claim the outcome of the FIA’s inquiry will be key to whether Hamilton decides to return to race this season. 

Hamilton has not spoken💯 publicly on the matter or posted to any of his social media accounts since the Decembe𒉰r 12 race. 

Speaking in 🌊an interview with , Wolff said Hamilton remains “disillusioned” by what happened at Yas Marina.&nb🌺sp;

"I𝔉t's very deep,” Wolff replied when asked how deep the disappointment of the title-decider runs. “Lewis, I and the whole team are disillusioned♎.

"We love this sport because it's honest. The stopwatch never lies. But if we break the fundamental principle of fairness and the stopwatch is no longer relevant, then you 🌱doubt this sport in that all your work, blood, sweat and tears can be taken away from you.

"It's going to take a long time to digest. I don't think we'll e𝐆ver get over that, especially Lewis as a driver. At least we can try together with the FIA to do better in the future.”

Wolff insisted Mercedes would💎 hold the FIA to account when he spo𝓡ke to media a few days after the contentious finale, and he reiterated that he expects to see “actions and not just words” when the findings are published. 

"I expec൲t actions and not just words,” he added. “In a sport that's supposed to be a sport, we can't freestyle like that with the set of rules.

"Before the start of the new season, there must be clarity about the rules so that every driver, team and fan knows what⛦ is allowed and what is not.

"In the end, we provide ent🔥ertainment, but no de⭕cision should break the rules for the sake of the show.”

And Wolff stressed that if Hamilton does choose to ret💮urn, the seven-time world champion w🤡ill not change his approach. 

"♏The capacity of Lewis is often wrong🥀ly questioned,” he said. 

"Even after the 𒊎events in Abu Dhabi, he immediately congratulated Max. Lewis only wants one thing - fair competition on the track. We will deliver that.